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“[…] This is not merely an issue of late bookings. It reflects a pattern of dysfunction and a laissez-faire—or as we say locally, vay ki vay—approach to administration by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
“[…] This kind of uncertainty and improvisation has no place in the professional administration of sport, especially when it affects our youth. These young players deserve structure, preparation, and respect…”
The following Letter to the Editor on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s difficulties in getting its team to the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship was submitted to Wired868 by Orson Rogers of Belmont:
Photo: TTFA Media.
I write with deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent logistical debacle involving Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-15 national football team and their delayed travel arrangements for the Concacaf Championship in Aruba.
Despite the tournament being a fixed part of the regional football calendar, reports indicate that, just days before kickoff, our national team had no confirmed travel plans, forcing administrators to consider last-minute and prohibitively expensive charter options—costing anywhere between US$50,000 and US$125,000.
The technical staff, including head coach Densill Theobald and technical director Anton Corneal, expressed justifiable frustration as the young athletes faced uncertainty, stress, and the real prospect of missing out on a crucial development opportunity.
This is not merely an issue of late bookings. It reflects a pattern of dysfunction and a laissez-faire—or as we say locally, vay ki vay—approach to administration by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
In previous instances, youth players have been denied opportunities due to poor communication or late notifications about screening and deadlines. Such negligence squanders potential and undermines trust.
President Kieron Edwards eventually assured the public that the team would make it to Aruba in time. But his refusal to clarify the source of funding or confirm the travel method only deepened the perception of opacity and poor planning.
This kind of uncertainty and improvisation has no place in the professional administration of sport, especially when it affects our youth. These young players deserve structure, preparation, and respect.
(via TTFA Media.)
If we claim to be serious about developing football talent in this country, then our actions must reflect that seriousness—starting with the basic logistics of getting our teams to tournaments.
The TTFA urgently needs to rebuild public trust by implementing clear planning protocols, transparent communication, and accountable leadership. Anything less continues to betray the dreams of the very players we claim to support.
The Trinidad and Tobago Boys National Under-15 Team finally departed yesterday for the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship in Aruba—two days Read more
Trinidad and Tobago will get to Aruba two days late for the Concacaf Under-15 Championship. But, crucially, they will be Read more
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has promised that the National Under-15 team will get to Aruba Read more
Less than 72 hours before the Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship kicks off across Costa Rica, Aruba and Curaçao, the Trinidad Read more
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